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Mesothelioma and Asbestosis There are a few important differences between mesothelioma and asbestosis, despite the fact that both diseases are triggered by asbestos exposure. Most importantly, mesothelioma is an illness that causes cancer, while asbestosis is not. Mesothelioma can develop in the linings of particular organs or tissues, for example the membranes that cover the abdominal cavity, as well as the lungs. It can be difficult to determine mesothelioma's diagnosis because symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. This is due to the long time between the onset of asbestos-related illnesses. Signs and symptoms Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, affects mesothelium which is a layer of tissue that surrounds certain organs and cavities in the body. It is most often found in the lungs, but can also occur in other parts of the body, such as the stomach, the heart, and the abdomen. The symptoms of mesothelioma vary according to the type and stage of the disease. However, there are common symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, weight loss, and chest pains. Fatigue and anemia are typical symptoms of mesothelioma. Mesothelioma may spread to other areas of the body. When it does, this is known as metastatic mesothelioma. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Asbestosis usually results from years of exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. It is a slow-moving disease and, due to its lengthy latency, many people are unaware of it for years after exposure. Asbestosis does not have the possibility of spreading like mesothelioma. However, it can trigger a range of health issues, including lung problems and respiratory distress. Both mesothelioma and asbestosis are caused by asbestos exposure. The primary difference between these two diseases is mesothelioma, which is a malignant tumor that grows in the mesothelium. Asbestosis does not. A person with pleural cancer can experience a constant cough that isn't productive and chest pain. Some patients report experiencing difficulty swallowing and changing the shape of their fingers, which is known as a clubbing. Ascites is a fluid buildup in the abdomen, which some sufferers of pleural mesothelioma have. Mesothelioma treatments are more aggressive and focus on extending life expectancy. However, the approach to treating asbestosis is not as intensive. Asbestosis is treated to improve quality of life and relieve symptoms. This is accomplished by removing the fluid from the chest via a procedure called thoracentesis, and using pain medication. Asbestosis victims can even be treated for severe cases with lung transplants, but this is not a possibility for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma patients may also receive palliative treatment, which focuses on managing symptoms and enhancing the quality of life. Diagnosis Inhaling fibres of asbestos can cause several symptoms, like a shortness of breath, cough, and fatigue. These symptoms can be difficult to diagnose because they can mimic other conditions. Asbestosis, a chronic lung condition that causes scarring to the lungs and respiratory system which makes it difficult for people to breathe. It can also affect other organs causing abdominal discomfort, fluid buildup, and changes in finger and toe shape (finger clubbing). Mesothelioma and asbestosis are both caused by exposure to asbestos which is a family of minerals comprised of microscopic fibres. The exposure to asbestos is the main cause of both diseases, however each has a different set of symptoms and a distinct duration of latency. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that develops in the mesothelium, which is a protective layer around certain organs and cavities within the body. It can be found in the abdomen, lungs and in the heart. Mesothelioma is more likely to develop when a person has been exposed to asbestos in a variety of locations. To diagnose mesothelioma in patients, doctors will typically order chest X-rays and CT scans to detect visible signs of lung cancer. They may also take a biopsy to get a better idea of what type of mesothelioma that patient. There are a variety of ways to take a mesothelium biopsy, including a needle biopsy, bronchoscopy or video-assisted surgery. The kind of biopsy that is required will depend on the location where the mesothelioma is located and what part of the lining of the pleura it is in. The symptoms and the patient's exposure history will also influence the way mesothelioma is diagnosed. Depending on the type of mesothelioma that is present, patients may be treated with radiation or chemotherapy to ease symptoms. In certain cases surgery may be required to remove the affected tissue and decrease the size of the tumors. There is no cure for mesothelioma as of this moment, but patients may receive palliative treatments to improve their quality of life. Both asbestosis and mesothelioma carry a high recurrence risk, even after the treatment is completed. This is why it is important to receive regular follow-up appointments. This is how mesothelioma specialists can spot recurrence and monitor the progression of the disease. Treatment Both mesothelioma as well as asbestosis happen as a result of exposure to asbestos. broken arrow asbestos attorney are incurable, however treatment options can prolong life for a long time. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, which lines the lungs, chest cavity and abdomen. Mesothelioma differs from lung cancer, but the symptoms are similar. Asbestosis is a less-common disease that is caused by long-term exposure to airborne asbestos fibers. They can irritate lung tissue and cause scarring, which can restrict breathing. Asbestos inhalation increases the risk of lung infections. Smoking causes the condition to progress more quickly. A doctor will examine the patient and listen to the lungs when asbestosis is identified. In some instances the doctor may order lung-function tests and chest X-rays. If mesothelioma is suspected, the doctor will conduct a biopsy of pleural mesothelium in order to conduct laboratory tests. The procedure involves inserting an needle into the abdomen, chest or groin, and removing some fluid, then examining the fluid for signs of malignant cell. Depending on the type, either chemotherapy or surgery is possible. The surgical removal of asbestos-laden tissue (also called pleurectomy or decortication) can improve the quality of life of patients with severe asbestosis and lessen the degree of the complications. A doctor can also remove the chest of fluid through a procedure known as thoracentesis and, in some instances, perform an operation called pleurodesis to alleviate breathing problems caused by asbestosis or other ailments. In addition to pain-relieving therapies doctors can also help patients control their breathlessness and other symptoms through regular follow-up appointments as well as pulmonary rehabilitation exercises. They can also prescribe oxygen treatment and, in certain instances, suggest the donation of a lung. People with lung diseases resulting from asbestos are at a high risk of developing other health issues, such as heart disease and cancer. To reduce these risks, they should stop smoking and be current with vaccines for influenza and pneumonia. They should also contact their doctor right away when they experience breathlessness, fever, or shortness of breath and cough. Prognosis Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, as well as asbestosis, lung disease. Both diseases share similar symptoms, including chest discomfort, constant coughing and breath shortness. Mesothelioma is a cancer, while asbestosis isn't. Mesothelioma as well as asbestosis are both incurable and may take decades to be diagnosed. The prognosis of mesothelioma varies on a number of factors such as the stage, location and type of cells. Epithelioid, the most common form, has a much better outlook than sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma. The prognosis for mesothelioma may also be affected by a patient's gender and age. Females and younger patients tend to have better odds than men. The latency time period also plays a major part in determining the mesothelioma diagnosis. The longer a person has been exposed to asbestos and asbestos-containing products, the more likely he or she is to develop symptoms. The time of mesothelioma's latency can be between 10 and fifty years after exposure. It is often difficult to recognize mesothelioma as it is extremely rare. This is particularly evident in the beginning stages of the disease, when symptoms are not as severe and may be mistaken for other conditions. It is important to ensure that doctors thoroughly study pathology reports, and ask for an opinion from a second source. Pleural effusions are caused by both mesothelioma (asbestosis) and mesothelioma. Pleural effusions can be a sign of both diseases however they are not life-threatening. The symptoms of asbestosis are similar the symptoms of other lung disorders such as chronic obstruction of the lung (COPD). Asbestosis is not as widespread as mesothelioma, and is not a cancerous form. A person with asbestosis may continue to have symptoms and eventually need oxygen therapy. If you or someone close to you has any questions about the signs of mesothelioma or asbestosis, get in touch with a patient advocate right now. We can help you locate an expert doctor who can diagnose and prescribe an appropriate treatment plan.